Sixx: A.M. Reveal Dustin Steinke as Permanent Drummer

Nikki Sixx's hard rock outfit Sixx: A.M. have enlisted the services of a number of drummers since forming back in 2007. The band was named after former Motley Crue bassist Nikki Sixx and the initials of his fellow bandmates -- DJ Ashba (guitar, ex-Guns N' Roses) and James Michael (lead vocals, guitar). After almost three albums and nearly a decade into it, Sixx has finally landed a permanent stickman in Dustin Steinke.

Steinke cut his teeth in Canadian rock outfit Bleeker Ridge, who have opened for acts like Papa Roach and Airbourne. After spending time in Sixx: A.M. as a live session drummer for some of their 2015 touring, the news of Steinke's permanence came unceremoniously via Twitter when a fan asked Nikki Sixx (seen below) if the band was locking down someone behind the kit.

Sixx: A.M. are plotting an ambitious 2016 that will see the release of two new studio albums, followed by two years of touring behind the discs. The records will play off of each other, tied together thematically and sonically. Singer Michael said, “The vibe of this new record, it’s going to be pushing the limits once again for Sixx: A.M. We’ve always explored new territory on every record, but I think this one is heavily influenced by this tour that we just came off of, playing in front of fans and capturing that energy and really expanding on that energy, so I’m gonna say it’s a heavier record.”

Regarding touring, Sixx has made it clear the focus will remain on music released by his new band rather than playing a bevy of Crue hits interspersed with new music. Initially stating the band will never play Motley Crue songs, he has changed his stance slightly, not ruling the possibility out in the future, but staying adamant that fans can expect to hear Sixx: A.M. music at their shows.

Motley Crue performed their final show as a touring act on New Year's Eve of 2015, closing out a lengthy career with over 100 million albums sold worldwide.

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